Time for Bass gets smaller

Magic beat

November 23, 2009|By Brian Schmitz, Sentinel Staff Writer

Well, it was bound to happen when Rashard Lewis returned to give the Magic a crowded power-forward stable: Somebody had to feel left out. And right now that somebody is Brandon Bass, who signed a four-year $18-million free agent deal this summer.

Bass didn't play Sunday for the second consecutive game, sitting against the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics on Friday night. He played just six minutes last Wedneday night against Oklahoma City.

"I think we're a better team with me out there," Bass said. "But we're winning, so there's really nothing I can say."

Bass said that he thought he'd play even when Lewis returned from a 10-game suspension, but Coach Stan Van Gundy has given Lewis major minutes, with Ryan Anderson backing him up.

He likes the way Anderson and Lewis, both 6-10, spread the floor as 3-point threats. Bass, 6-8, 250 pounds, can shoot from mid-range but also has struggled defensively.

"I know it's not an easy thing for players," Van Gundy said.

Hedo's global issue

Toronto Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo is so concerned about SF Hedo Turkoglu's physical condition this offseason that he said he will challenge how the former Magic star is used by his Turkish national team in this summer's world championships.

"I'm going to be emphatic about it if I have to be," Colangelo said.

Turkoglu has said he will play, considering that his native Turkey is hosting the tournament.

Colangelo hopes he can work with FIBA -- the International Basketball Association -- and the NBA to help monitor the playing and practice time for players whose 82-game seasons often include postseason play.

Turkoglu played in 101 games last season for the Magic, including a postseason that lasted until June 14. Colangelo said Turk was physically and emotionally spent when the Raptors began training camp, and was rested for several days.

Layups

The Magic improved to 5-2 on the road. They were 27-14 last season.

Once again, the Magic will face a team this season that will have had four days off prior to their meeting. Atlanta played Friday night against New Orleans but doesn't play again until hosting the Magic on Thanksgiving. Cleveland had four days off before beating the Magic in Orlando.

The Magic will take off today. Their next game is Wednesday night against the Miami Heat. It will be a back-to-back, followed by the game against the Hawks in Atlanta.